The three-way match in accounts payable is a business process that requires the reconciliation of three documents before a purchase can be approved and paid for. This process involves comparing the purchase order, the goods received note, and the invoice. The purchase order is the document that outlines the details of the purchase, including the items, quantity, and price. The goods received note is a document that verifies that the items have been received and are in good condition. The invoice is the document that outlines the amount that the supplier is charging for the items. By comparing these three documents, the accounts payable department can ensure that the purchase is accurate and complete. This process helps to reduce the risk of fraud and overspending, and it helps to ensure that the company is only paying for what it has received.